The Dolphin Shopping Centre in Poole has partnered with Bournemouth & Poole College to celebrate the artistic talents of its BTEC Level 3 Photography and Fashion students.
The shopping centre is hosting a temporary exhibition for members of the public in its Eco Hub all this week, Monday April 16 to Friday April 20. The Eco Hub is the centre’s new creative space which supports community projects and aims to encourage sustainability.
Bournemouth & Poole College’s exhibition aims to raise awareness of teenage mental health and wellbeing through portraits and T-shirt designs, in collaboration with the Youth Service. As part of the Youth Health Champions programme, this exhibition aims to empower young people to have a positive influence on their own health and the health of those around them.
The exhibition is being manned by Bournemouth & Poole College students from 10am to 4pm and they will be on hand to answer questions about the artwork.
John Grinnell, centre manager at the Dolphin Shopping Centre, commented: “We’ve had an overwhelming response so far to the students’ exhibition; it’s been so well received by members of the public.
“Teaming up with Bournemouth & Poole College has enabled us to show our support to young students and hopefully we’ve given them the confidence they need to continue to develop their artistic talents. We work hard to develop our relationships with local schools and colleges and look forward to bringing more art exhibitions to the centre in the future.
“The Eco Hub is a great opportunity for people to use the dedicated in-centre space for exhibitions. We encourage other project leaders to get in touch with us to find out more about using the free community space.”
Ellie Douglas, photography lecturer at Bournemouth & Poole College and Christine Bill, fashion and textiles lecturer at Bournemouth & Poole College, commented: “We’re very proud of our BTEC Level 3 students for their hard work on this project. They were challenged to become a health champion and deliver an advertising campaign to inform and raise awareness to their peer groups about one public health issue of their choosing.
“The exhibition will help develop their practical skillsets and facilitate peer to peer education and mentoring about lifestyle related risks to health.”
The Eco Hub launched earlier this month as part of the Dolphin’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and is located in the lower mall of the centre. It is open during the centre’s regular opening hours and is free to use. Email info@dolphinshoppingcentre.co.uk with any booking enquiries.
For more information on events at the Dolphin Shopping Centre, visit www.dolphinshoppingcentre.co.uk